Tobacco farmers in Ilocos urged to plant early

The government on Wednesday urged tobacco farmers in the Ilocos region to plant early to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which could possibly hit Luzon starting next month. During a dialogue with tobacco farmers and other multi-sector stakeholders, National Tobacco Administration chief Edgardo Zaragoza said said several measures that would address the prolonged dry spell, including the early planting scheme, have been laid down. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that majority of climate models indicate that El Niño, a weather pattern that can bring drought, may develop around middle of the year.